The Gruffalo’s Child at The Lowry Manchester Review
The Gruffalo’s Child
The Lowry, Manchester
10 August to 4 September 2016
Reviewed by Kathryn Carr
Yesterday, I took my daughter to see ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ at Salford Quays’ Lowry Theatre (it’s on there until 4th September – tickets start at £15.50). Adapted from Julia Donaldson’s sequel to ‘The Gruffalo’, the stage show produced by registered charity ‘Tall Stories‘ offers a magical musical set in the deep, dark wood (where no Gruffalo should ever set foot.)
A fan of the book and familiar with the tale that features the Gruffalo’s curious and mischievous daughter, I was delighted by how the show’s creatives have developed the book’s original characters; my favourite being the snake that is now a somewhat amusing Spanish stereotype. When I’m next reading the book to my little one, we’ll have plenty to reminiscence about and almost a whole new story to refer to as well as the one written on the pages.
As the audience follows the Gruffalo’s Child’s quest through the snow to find the Big, Bad Mouse (despite her father’s warning), we meet a whole host of heart-warming characters who for 50 minutes entertain with catchy songs and engage the eye with their sharp, sleek movements. The set is pretty basic and does require a tap into the imagination; this together with a slightly scary undertone, the recommended age of 3+ may be a little on the low side… but you know your own child and what’s more, you’re amidst an understanding audience.
Whether you’ve heard of the Gruffalo in passing or have a house full of books and related memorabilia, The Gruffalo’s Child is a show that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike, with humour appreciated by both (as well a few jokes thrown in just for the grown-ups).
The Lowry is fast becoming my venue of choice; it really is perfect for families. Not only did we attend the show, there was a superhero workshop for the kids. Children can take part in a variety of free storytelling and drama activities every day 11am – 3pm throughout August. To see a full programme of events, visit www.thelowry.com/families.
On top of that, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the The Lowry’s new Pier Eight restaurant. I loved the courgette, blue cheese and hazelnut risotto and Flossie heartily tucked into her FREE mini portion of bangers and mash; free because for every adult who eats there whenever there’s a children’s performance in the theatre, a child can eat for free. And… they course match, so if you have pudding, they’ll get one too!
I travelled to The Lowry by car. The venue is easily accessible from the motorway network and cars can be parked at the Outlet Mall just opposite the theatre. If you plan to do this, you can pre-pay for your parking when you buy your show tickets – £5 upfront will save you queuing at the pay station when it’s time to head off. However, if you are seeing a short, family show and won’t be at the venue for more than a couple of hours, it may be cheaper just to pay on the day. Salford Quays can also be reached by public transport within Greater Manchester, (see tfgm.com). There’s a helpful ‘plan your visit‘ page on The Lowry website.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £15.50 to £52 (price includes £2 booking fee).
The Gruffalo’s Child is at The Lowry in Manchester until 4 September 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
